Boost for frontier exploration in North West

A burst of Palaszczuk Government-supported exploration is about to kick off in the North-West.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said seven mineral and resource companies had gained more than $600,000 in total to support drilling projects for copper, lead, zinc, silver and gold.   

“A mix of junior and internationally renowned companies will start work this month, with positive flow on effects for local business and communities,” he said.

“Boosting investment in exploration is a way of maintaining the pipeline of metals production from the North West mineral province to eventually replace older mines.

“North West Mineral Province Taskforce has identified this as a priority.”

The funds come from the long-running collaborative drilling initiative, which has supported almost $27 million worth of exploration in remote areas of the state, including the north-west.

“Funding through the Collaborative Drilling Initiative enables companies to undertake projects in frontier areas, projects that may have never seen the light of day due to the costs and risks involved in exploring in remote areas,” Dr Lynham said.

“These explorers are seeking new discoveries in areas that are deeper and more difficult to explore than in the past, using the best science available.”

Previous projects have discovered almost 40 significant mineral deposits in the state’s remote corners, including a significant silver-lead-zinc deposit as large as South 32’s Cannington mine.

“I look forward to seeing what new results emerge in the north-west,” Dr Lynham said.

The seven companies are: Ripple Resources Pty Ltd, Teck Australia, Yappar Resources Pty Ltd, Footprint Resources Pty Ltd, Sector Projects Pty Ltd, Red Metal Limited and Mt Dockerell Mining.

ENDS

Eds: To download drilling and exploration images visit the DNRM media centre.

Media contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389